How to save your plants from thrips with this easy method

February 25, 2025

Say Goodbye to Thrips: A Simple Trick to Save Your Plants

Thrips. Those tiny, sneaky garden wreckers that seem to appear out of nowhere. One day, your plants are thriving, and the next, you’re left wondering why their leaves look like they’ve been attacked by miniature artists with sandpaper. If you’re shaking your head in frustration, you’re not alone. But don’t worry—I have a simple, no-fuss solution to help kick these uninvited guests out of your garden.

How to Spot Thrips Before They Take Over

Thrips love to hide. They’re tiny—often less than 2mm long—and move fast. If you notice silvery streaks or speckled leaves, they could already be setting up camp. Some plants might even look warped or have black specks on the leaves. Those specks? Yep, thrip droppings. Lovely.

The key to handling them is catching the problem early. Grab a plain piece of white paper, hold it under a leaf, and give the plant a little shake. If tiny, dark insects drop onto the paper and start crawling around, you’ve got thrips.

The Secret Weapon: Soapy Spray

If you want to send thrips packing, you don’t need fancy chemicals. One of the simplest and most effective solutions is a homemade soapy spray. Here’s how to make it:

1-litre water – Tap water is fine.
1 teaspoon mild liquid soap – Something like Castile soap or even dishwashing liquid works.

Mix the two in a spray bottle and give your plants a good misting, making sure to cover the undersides of the leaves—thrips love hiding there. The soap disrupts their ability to breathe and stick to the plant, making it harder for them to survive.

Extra Steps to Keep Thrips Gone for Good

Now that you’ve got them under control, here are a few extra tricks to keep them from making a return visit:

Introduce natural predators – Ladybirds and lacewings love snacking on thrips. If you can attract them to your garden, they’ll help keep the problem in check.
Reflective Mulch – A light-coloured mulch, like silver reflective film or even aluminium foil, can confuse thrips by bouncing light around and making it harder for them to find a comfy home.
Regular Inspections – Make it a habit to check your plants for early signs of trouble to stop an infestation before it takes over.

Don't Let Thrips Win!

Your plants deserve to grow strong and healthy, without tiny pests draining the life out of them. With a simple soapy spray and a few extra tricks, you’ll get your garden back on track in no time. So, grab that spray bottle and show those thrips who's boss!

Happy gardening! 🌱

— Candeece